Jack Rodwell is confident his season is not over and hopes to return to training before the end of March.

The midfielder hopes his injury-hit first year at Manchester City can have a happy ending if he can contribute as the Premier League champions win a trophy.

Rodwell, who has only started four league games since his £12 million move from Everton, limped off in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa on March 4 with a recurrence of his hamstring problems.

The 22-year-old was also out from October to January with a hamstring injury but is optimistic he will be back much sooner with his latest problem.

He told City's official website: "Obviously you don't want to tempt fate but I'm not looking at this as a lengthy absence and I hope to be back [in training] in a couple of weeks.

"Hopefully I can play my part in the run-in and help us win some silverware and end what has been a frustrating season on a high."

Rodwell's performance in February's win over Chelsea brought praise from manager Roberto Mancini and, after keeping his place for the trip to Villa Park, he was disappointed when he had to come off in the first half.

But while he is hopeful he will not be out for long, he is also conscious his comeback cannot be hurried if he is not to suffer another setback.

Rodwell added: "I felt a jabbing pain just before I took a shot at Villa Park and I knew straight away I had a problem. I decided to shoot anyway and stayed on for the corner to see if I could maybe nick us a goal, but it was pointless carrying on after that.

"This is an injury that can strike at any time to anyone and I'm sure it is something that I'll be rid of before too long, but it's an ongoing process and something that can't be rushed."